Joseph g



(No Model.)

J. G. REYNOLDS.-

BED PAN.

No. 336,436. Patented Feb. 16,1886;

WIT N85555: {NVENTCIRI Me -e I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH G. REYNOLDS, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND.

BED-PAN.

- SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent. No. 336,436. datedFebruary 16, 1886.

Application filed JulylO, 188-1. Serial No. 137,341. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JosEPH G. REYNoLDs, of Providence, in the State ofRhode Island, have invented an Improvement in Bed-Pans, of which thefollowing is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in a bed-pan adapted for surgicaloperations; and it consists in theimproved construction of the pan, andalso in the combination of a flexible siphon-tube therewith, ashereinafter fully set forth.

The figure is aperspective view of a bed-pan provided with myimprovement.

In the accompanying drawing,A is the bedpan provided with the spout a,in connection with the segmental overflow protecting-strip I), securedto the rim f of the pan, and at the rear of the pan is placed thesemicircular coucaved seatpiece c, secured to the rim f, as in the caseof the protector b, leaving the opposite portions of the rim f betweenthe concaved seat 0 and the overflow-protector!) unobstructed, thusadapting the pan for the removal of solids as well as fluids, and forready access for cleaning purposes. I

At the bottom and rear of the pan is inserted the rigid tube (2, whichis secured to the outer side of the pan and extends upward to near therim, and to the outer end of the tube 01 is secured the flexible rubbertube 6, pro vided with the elastic rubber bulb B.

The tube cl 0 and bulb B serve to form a siphon adapted to removethefluid contents of the bedpan,and thus prevent the overflow of the samewhile in use, or the necessity of the removal of the bed-pan from theperson for the purpose of discharging the fluid contents,as heretofore.

Upon the application of the bed-pan A to the person and the accumulationof fluid therein the bulb B is to be compressed with the hand, as usualin such devices, the extension-tube e at the lower end of the bulb beingat the same time compressed by the thumb and finger of the other hand.thus performing the function of a valve, when, upon releasing the bulb Bfrom pressure, the fluid in the pan will immediately flow over into thebulb, and upon the removal of the thumb and finger from the lowerextension of the tube 6 a siphon will be established for removing thefluid from the pan.

It will of course be understood that avalve or valves may be employedwith the bulb for establishing the siphonconnection; but the employmentof valves is deemed objectionable on account of the nature of the fluidsto be discharged; but such valves may be used, if desired. The bed-panmay also in common cases be used withoutthe siphou-tube,the improvedconstruction ofthe pan specially adapting the same for such use.

I am aware that it'is not new to provide a bed-pan with a coucaved seatand a discharging-spout, or with an overflow-protector for the spout. Iam also aware that it is not new to attach a flexible tube to a bedpaufor the purpose of drawing off the fluid contents of the same, and alsothat a siphon having its discharge end or nozzle enlarged has long beenknown. I therefore make no claim to any of these parts taken separately;

I claim as myinvention- In a bed-pan having an overflow-protector, thecombination of arigid tube extending from the rear lower corner of thepan obliquely upward to near the upper edge at the side of the same, aflexible tube attached to the outer end of the rigid tube, and theelastic bulb adapted to start the siphon for the discharge of the fluidcontents of the pan, substantially as described.

JOSEPH G. REYNOLDS.

WVitnesses:

SOCRATES SoHoLEIELn, CHAS. F. ScHMELz.

